The Sixth Gathering

[Fernear!]

fernstar

It must have been the anxious pull of the night's wind that brought her out so early. The grey tabby sat silently at the edge of the camp, where the crisp grasses meet the cold rock. She scanned the clearing and watched as the crowds conversed and they waited for her word. Fernstar couldn’t recall the last time she had been so at bay, and she beginning to feel eager for their departure. A light layer of clouds lined the sky that night, but none too strong to block out the silver glow of the full moon and none too weak to allow rain drops to escape. In mere minutes the eyes of a fellow ThunderClan feline caught hers, it was then when she spoke up.

"And is ThunderClan ready for tonight? Are we ready to leave?" She needed not to encourage the select few cats to leave the camp before they were off and breaching the WindClan border. The swift river was nothing less than a fair obstacle. Its waters chilled the leader to the bone when she tested its power. Glancing back at her clan mates she took in a deep breath and warned them to keep close to each other. Finding her place on the river stones beneath, Fernstar waded across to the opposite shore. A few stones loosened from their place and Fernstar’s footing was lost with them. The scare was brief but it might as well have lasted to the lake. She was pulled with the flow for only a meter or so before she stopped herself. With only minor difficulties they were soon on the small strip of land designated as neutral. The wind picked up on the moors and the unusual sensation of being moved by a greater force stunned the she-cat. She tucked her chin to her chest and pushed forward.

It might have been about seven or eight moons, possibly even more, since Fernstar’s mind had even felt like stumbling upon the old memories of an old friend. The feelings she had felt were becoming stale, forgotten almost, and her loyalty to the Warrior code had become as steadfast as the oaks that reign in the ThunderClan forest. It was now, while she went across the wispy-grassed territory that she rehearsed the age-old verses that she remembered her old flame. It would stay in her mind for the night and suns to come.

Conversation between the cats ranged from mild whispers of question to open-ended responses and dialogues between cats. When the land changed from bleak to thicker marsh weeds, discomfort soared but was ignored. The island was in sight. It didn’t seem like the other clans had arrived yet because all that could be heard were the echoes from the rain.

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[Heathclaw]

Rustlestar paced around his den, a restless energy burning in his paws. The first gathering in untold moons... and he was going as the leader of WindClan. Not for the first time, the tom marveled at this turn of events- at how he had surpassed even his father's highest aspirations. And today, at this gathering of the clans, everyone cat around the lake would know that WindClan would be a rising star. I lead the most powerful clan by the lakeside. I shall lead us to greatness.

His eyes flashed towards the den entrance- it was time. Rustlestar dashed out of his den, leaping to the High rock in a single bound. "WindClan! We leave now!" With that, he streamed down from the rock and darted out of camp like a furred lightning bolt, with the chosen cats of his clan at his side.

Rustlestar yearned to race against the harsh wind that blew across WindClan; to fly across the moor, running until his paws blurred, but he restrained himself. He had to accomodate for the apprentices, after all, and he didn't want to arrive at the gathering with his cats tired out. Still, Rustlestar set a demanding pace, one that left little breath to spare for errant chatter.

They reached the island in due time, with Rustlestar crossing over the ancient tree bridge first, then turning to make sure each cat made it across safely. Heathpaw crossed last, and very nearly stumbled at the end, but Rustlestar stepped forward, grapping his son by the scruff and guiding him back onto the bridge. He repressed a sigh as he watched Heathpaw stalk off- the young cat still hadn't forgiven him for not mentoring him.

Regardless, this was neither the time nor the place to worry about that. Rustlestar headed towards the stump at the center of the camp, and turned to face his clanmates, paying special focus towards the apprentices. "I trust that you will behave like the warriors I know you to be. Remember that we represent our entire clan at this meeting; If we appear weak, our clan appears weak. Speak with the other clans, but be wary of how much you say."

He looked over his group of cats at a sudden sound coming from the treebridge. "Ah. It seems like ThunderClan's here." Rustlestar purred, crossing over to find Fernstar.

[Tikker]

The moon was close to rising as the she-cat's golden eyes gazed upon the setting sun. The red from the lights mixed with the fading blue of the sunhigh sky that would soon turn black with the coming of night. Looking down the dark brown tabby watched the blades of grass and the tree leaves dance in the nights cool air.

This was it, the time to let all the Clans know that RiverClan was no weaker than any other Clan this leaf-bare; luckily, the fish breed faster than the forest or moor animals and become very plentiful by the time new-leaf comes around.

Lifting up her haunches, the warrior turned around and lept up to reach the top of the Pool Rock, the leader's calling from the center of the camp. Looking around she noticed some cats sturring from getting sleep for the gathering, and some just coming back from patrols.

"Cats of RiverClan! It is time for us to depart for the Gathering, and I know that I'm not the cat you all planned to be leader, nor the cat to lead you to the Gathering and speak for our Clan. And I aks for the sake of our Clan, leave those thoughts out of tonight until we return to camp, then you may speak what you feel about me."

Leaping down from upon the large, silver rock, Briarstar flicked the tip of her tail for the cats who were going to the Gathering to follow her as she rushed outside of the Camp borders and across the water-based ground towards the lakes edge.

Once the lake had been reached, Briarstar looked back to check on the three apprentices that she had chosen to bring along. She spotted Falconpaw's light brown coat had turned a silver shade in the moonlight; and the she-cat could tell he was excited. That next morning when she went on a hunting patrol with Silkgrass, she was going to talk to her about his warrior ceremony.

Looking into the territory of the ones she hated most; Briarstar noticed Rustlestar, the new leader of WindClan, and the rest of his Gathering group start along the fallen tree. Turning her head to see the cats she had brought, she motioned for them to start the swim across the lake to the island.

Briarstar herself went last, making sure the apprentices made it across without tireing themsleves, and began one last speech to her Clanmates before they left the shore. "I trust you all enough to reveal nothing to the other Clans of our secrets, and to be the proud RiverClan warriors we are known to be."

Padding past to take the lead, Briarstar started for the unfamiliar clearing that the Ggathering would be held in. The sounds of ThunderClan voices filled her ears as she heaved a silent breath, "So ThunderClan and WindClan are also here. I wonder why ShadowClan is late." Placing her paws in front of one another, the RiverClan leader bounded into the clearing, her Clanmates just behind her as she left them to go see the leaders of the other Clans.

"Fernstar, Rustlestar, its nice to have the Gathering going once again, any word from ShadowClan?"

[Fernear!]

fernstar

Glancing back at her clan she smiled and spoke some soft, reassuring words of pride and how she hoped that they would be on their best behavior, seeing as this was some cats' first gathering. No sooner had she spoken had a familiar scent brushed along her nose. "And WindClan, too." she smiled speaking in reply to Rustlestar’s welcoming words, "It'll be nice to catch up with everyone."

As the crowd of felines began to mingle with those they knew, the group of apprentices who had never been to a gathering was a little more hesitant. Nodding to Rustlestar she padded in their direction, her paws splashing into small puddles of murky water shining in the clear night light. The grey she-cat was trying to contemplate how to comfort the apprentices and try to get them to come out of their shells. Only one statement hung in her mind, "Enjoy yourselves. This is what gatherings are for. Don't worry about anyone judging you or singling you out; we're all a little nervous." Although she would have liked to have come of a little more comforting, Fernstar perked up her ears and turned back to her companion with the vision of her clan still fresh.

By the time she approached Rustlestar, another character had joined the picture. She recognized the warrior from previous encounter, Briarheart was her name; she must be RiverClan's new leader . The melancholy thought of losing her old friend was hard for her to bear at this moment, but she soon passed it on for another time to save the positive air on the island. "It is indeed! I haven't heard from ShadowClan yet - we left without any signs of them." Glancing behind her, Fernstar could only see silhouettes of ThunderClan cats hanging around the entrance. It was vacant - nothing of ShadowClan.

The wind Fernstar had experienced across the moor blew the cold canopies of the trees overhanging the island, although they protected valid protection from the element to those already on it. She grew silent, taking in the sounds around her.

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[Heathclaw]

Rustlestar was somewhat bemused at the small size of the RiverClan group. It seemed as though Briarstar didn't have much faith in his good intentions- not that he'd expected her to; after all, neither did he.

Rustlestar was pleased to see that Fernstar had arrived promptly, but he had barely gotten two sentences out to Fernstar when the RiverClan leader pushed her way into their conversation. The WindClan leader's tail twitched. Typical.

He passed the motion off with an annoyed glance back at the tree bridge. ShadowClan was late, indeed. "They'd better show up," Rustlestar grunted. "I'd hate to have near killed myself on that round-trip of the lake for nothing."

---

""I trust that you will behave like the warriors I know you to be." "Feh," Heathpaw muttered under his breath. You don't think I'm worthy to be a warrior at all, or you'd have trained me, instead of turning me over to a medicine cat. He shot Rowanwing a venomous glance while his back was turned, and then turned at a pair of strange scents- for he hadn't been to the border yet, and had to guess at the Clan scents.

Must be ThunderClan and RiverClan... they smell wet enough. Hmm... their apprentices don't look that tough. I bet I could take them on easily. He stepped forward for a closer look.

---

What am I doing here? Tigerpaw asked himself, shivering slightly in the cold night air. He didn't belong here at all- he had not one bit of social skill. Having to cross the lake didn't help his stress either, not with Briarstar behind his tail, making him have to work extra hard to hide the weakness in his back legs.

Falconpaw was the one who deserved to be here- he was every bit a warrior, and stood out among the other apprentices here. Minnowpaw definitely belonged too, as a medicine cat apprentice, one of the most valued positions in the clan. Not him. Not awkward, stumbling, shy Tigerpaw.

[Tikker]

"It is indeed! I haven't heard from ShadowClan yet - we left without any signs of them."

Briarstar heard the words of the ThunderClan leader, and nodded. She hadn't seen a glimps of ShadowClan in a couple moons, it seemed they only went by the border to renew scent markers. Then she narrowed her eyes as Rustlestar spoke, it pained her to have to get along with him, or even his Clan in particular.

"They'd better show up, I'd hate to have near killed myself on that round-trip of the lake for nothing."

Rolling her amber eyes, Briarstar glanced over at him and spoke out a low retort. "Well, then maybe it would have been easier to send a warrior to each Clan instead of going by yourself." In a lower voice, mainly for herself, she added, "Any warrior he has would have been better to speak with."

Looking back at Fernstar, the dark brown she-cat flicked her ears, she figured she had said enough to Rustlestar himself, and need not go more or else be tempted to lose her temper. Every sane cat knew of Briarstar's spiteful intentions towards WindClan, but mainly every cat in her Clan. Please StarClan, let ShadowClan come soon, or else I might not make it through the night. Briarstar made a silent prayer to her ancestors in hopes that they might help.

---------------------------------------------

Featherpaw trotted solely over the fallen tree branch towards the island that would hold the sacred Gathering. Her paws were full of excitement and due to not paying any attention, she nearly tripped over them.

Looking back a little ways, she noticed Heathpaw, she sometimes felt sorry for her fellow apprentice, as he was the leader's son and much was expected out of him. Then she heard Rustlestar's words, "I trust that you will behave like the warriors I know you to be..."

Looking back Featherpaw slowed her pace, waiting for Heathpaw to come closer before she spoke. "Lighten up Heathpaw, we're at the Gathering, don't be upset because Rowanwing is now a Medicine Cat, he was a very good warrior. You can learn things the other apprentices can't now."

Closing her eyes, Featherpaw smiled, secretly--even to her own self--she had feelings for her friend. Nothing seemed strieght to her when he was around, and sometimes said mouse-brained things. Resting her tail softly on his shoulder, she spoke to him."If you just want to hang out with me, I'll be over there," she pointed with her tail before she trotted past a couple of warriors.

[c e d a r *]

Out of Character:I'm sorry if I'm popping in at the worst time >.<

"All chosen ShadowClan cats, we must depart!" yowled the leader, trotting out of the camp. All of the trouble the rain had caused was just turning into more trouble, as the cold weather began to turn the puddles into ice. It was late, they were late, and the ice wasn't helping. Used to the soft pine needles under her paws, the leader's steps were quick but somewhat unbalanced. The ice made it hard to get through RiverClan territory, but they could make it. They would make it.

Small paws carried the leader quickly through the terrain, her eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. She was late, which meant her whole clan was late, which pretty much screwed everything up. Her breathing was labored, as she tried to set the chosen members of her Clan at a quick yet steady pace. It was hard for her, and she had to keep reminding herself to look back and slow down. Wait to screw it up, the she-cat thought bitterly to herself, sighing unhappily. Her muscles were tense with the cold and all of the rain puddles had begun to freeze over. Her heart was beating steadily, hurting her chest as each step she took. Noticing the island loom nearer, the she-cat slowed her pace to a walk, and waited for the Clan members she had chosen, to arrive.

Deciding to address each of the cats who she had called to come, Smallfoot took a deep breath before beginning. "Miragesoul. Lightheart. Leopardpaw. Pebblepaw. You should all know to act respectable. We are late, very late, and do not make fools of yourselves by sayig something you shouldn't. I expect all of you to keep quiet unless you are asked as a whole to say something. You may go ahead an converse to those you know, and those you do not, but just...don't make a big deal out of anything, please. StarClan knows what's going on right now. Let's go, before they have my head" meowed the leader, her voice more of a mutter than anything, picking up her pace once more, not looking back now.

Eyes still showing signs of annoyance, the leader managed to make her way to the island, making sure her Clan could get across the icy log that connected the island from the mainland. Once everyone had gotten across, Smallstar emerged from the gathered cats. Nodding her head toward the three leaders that stoof before her, Smallstar sat down. "ShadowClan, as a whole, is sorry for their late arrival. We had some trouble navigating through the territories, for the cold weather made many of the wet surfaces hard with ice." It was short, and it was true. Navigating through the territories was difficult. Her breathing had slowed, and she looked at each of the leaders, her expression softening a slight bit. "Hello, Fernstar, Rustlestar, and Briarstar," meowed the leader. No time to act rude, they had some important business to go over before the gathering was to be finished. As much as the leader's paws ached, she sat tall, her tail curling over her paws.

[Fernear!]

Silkgrass

Marshes tend to be sleek and frozen at this stage of Leafbare but because of the heavy rainfall beforehand there was but a light layer of thin ice over the creeks and muddy puddles. The pathway to the lake, depending on where you travelled, was fairly mild and obstacle-free and it was so even now. Silkgrass followed the small party that left for the island late in the day and soon found she was bounding across the slick trunk of an old oak or such. Her paws hit the dry ground to see a group of ThunderClan and WindClan cats mingling amongst one another. She took no interest in the latter – she just wanted to listen. If no cat talked to her the whole time she’d be fine.

Silkgrass walked low to the ground and kept her ears pricked for anything she should need to be wary about, but she found herself fretting over nothing. The age-old testament of peace for full moons was held. The she-cat headed over to the eastern edge of the island behind a pair of chatting felines, muttering some hushed words about the attractive toms opposite their place on the island. The toms seemed to be reacting, as Silkgrass had assumed they would in this situation. By their scent she knew they weren’t from RiverClan. She had walked the farthest from her colleagues anyways, and she was enjoying the quiet of being alone in a large group.

---

Fernstar

Everyone’s heads turned when the last of the cats attending the gathering stepped off of the tree. Some of the closers cats nodded curtly to the terribly late attendance and others smiled warmly, letting out a silent sigh of relief or excitement for the upcoming event. Fernstar, too, found herself itching to get the chance to head towards the low-hanging branch, but she decided it was more polite to wait and greet the others.

“Well I guess you didn’t travel to that part of the lake for nothing,” she said with a hint of joke in her voice. She made no immediate move towards the other leader but gave Smallstar her full attention: bright eyed and positive. A new wind blew through the entrance and between the frost-bitten scrubs brushing the edge of the land. It was encouraging, warm almost, and most definitely a southerly wind but to Fernstar she took as a hint from StarClan to begin now or shortly. The grey tabby would not shift until she had formally spoken to Smallstar and all four of them would head up together.

When the calico got closer Fernstar lightly hopped up and smiled widely, “It’s great to see you again, Smallstar!”

---

Miragesoul

Quoting what Smallstar had said in her mind more than once would be irrelevant and a waste of effort in Miragesoul’s opinion. She had grown to be more mature since her first gathering and she knew how to behave around other clans. She knew better than most what it was like to be scrutinized for one reason or another and she didn’t need any others hanging over her like a vulture over road kill. “Of course,” she replied kindly. Smallstar was her friend, and she was genuinely loyal to her. Loyalty had rarely come across her path or at least from her anyways, for the past few moons.

Becoming the deputy had been a step she didn’t know she wanted to take, and hadn’t been for many seasons. What brought her to her new confidence was the return and departure of her old mate. Blackstar wasn’t on her mind and she had no care to think about him any longer. She could move on and worry about things other than the ways of love and lust.

Searching about for a familiar face of a cat from a different clan she soon found Goldenheart towards the centre of the island. Wracking her memories she knew that she was a fair she-cat and someone who could be considered nice. Miragesoul figured a bit of conversation with a cat from outside of her own clan would do her well. “Hello, Goldenheart.” She was a little more awkward than she had hoped and quickly proceeded, “I hear that ThunderClan has a new deputy.” As soon as she spoke she chided her self horribly for speaking of something that may rub the warrior the wrong way. She prayed to StarClan it wouldn’t as she waited.

[/blockquote]

[Heathclaw]

It seemed that Briarstar was intent on ruffling Rustlestar's fur, and for a brief moment, the WindClanner's face flickered into one of loathing. Though she must have only been leader for fewer than a few moons, this Briarstar had all of the insufferable arrogance that was common among what he knew of RiverClan. ShadowClan’s late arrival could not have been timed better- it gave him an excuse not to look at Briarstar.

“Well I guess you didn’t travel to that part of the lake for nothing,” said Fernstar beside him, making Rustlestar’s whiskers twitch ruefully. “I suppose not. I’d like to know why they were late, of course.” He quieted down as a white cat with small paws detached herself from the ShadowClan group and padded over to them. So… this was Smallstar- ShadowClan’s leader. She certainly didn’t have the look of a leader, but, then again, looks were often deceiving. So, they were held up by the ice, huh? Fine. I’ll let it slide this time.

“Smallstar, eh? Glad you and ShadowClan made it here in one piece.” Rustlestar took a deep breath, admiring the gravity of the situation. For the first time in many, many moons, all four of the clans were gathered together under one moon. “Let’s take a moment to rest, relax, and enjoy the gathering before we start with our announcements. It’s been a long time, after all,” Rustlestar decided, glancing over at the groups of cats that were forming all over the island. It was uncharacteristic of him to delay in anything, usually, but he would make an exception for this one night.

---

Heathpaw was distracted from staring sullenly at the RiverClan and ThunderClan apprentices by a light tail tip at his shoulder. He turned to see Featherpaw there, with a small smile on her face, offering him some small words of comfort. He almost bristled with indignation. What did she know about how he felt? Absolutely nothing!

But… maybe that was the whole point. At least she cared enough to notice him stewing there, even if she was mistaken in the reason why. He decided that he would follow her- it was much better than having to talk with another clan’s apprentices, after all. Besides, the only other she-cat apprentice at the time was Cinderpaw, and he hadn’t talked with her much… ever since she became Rustlestar’s apprentice.

“Hey, Featherpaw, I-” Heathpaw started, heading after her. His mind suddenly locked up, he found himself at a loss for what to say next . “I’m not angry for the reasons that you think I am.”

---

“Whew!” said Lightheart, letting out a sigh of relief upon finally reaching the island. “That was rough. I didn’t even have the breath to speak, much less joke around at our pace.”

He scanned the crowd, with Smallstar’s words lingering vaguely in the back of his mind, and his tail drooped. Foxheart wasn’t here… that was a shame. Still, it wasn’t a total loss. There were still plenty of cats that he could go about and annoy, although there were few that he recognized.

“Oi, Pebblepaw!” Lightheart called, remembering his apprentice at the last minute. “Remember what Smallstar said, eh? Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” And with that, he darted freely into the throng of cats, with his usual lopsided grin on his face.

---

The ShadowClan group had shown up. Wonderful. That meant more cats for Tigerpaw to potentially make a fool of himself in front of. He shook his head violently. Snap out of it! You mustn’t think like that! Still, it was little use; it did nothing to relieve the churning pit of worry that was stirring in the bottom of his stomach. Minnowpaw. He needed to find Minnowpaw. He could talk to Minnowpaw without making a fool of himself, surely. Where was Minnowpaw?

[Silvercloud]

Minnowpaw was shaking with excitement as she followed her clan to the island for the gathering. Over head the moon shined on with the stars glittering like frost in the leafbare sky. Tonight was cold and ice was forming on the swollen lake and the grass was covered in frost.

The she-cat had her thick and fluffy leafbare coat groomed neatly. Minnowpaw was awed by the beauty of the night. Everything was bathed in frosty silver light; even the pelt of her clanmates was silver.

The ginger and black she-cat wriggled her rear before pouncing up on the fallen tree. The calico gasped as she felt herself slipping off and unsheathed her claws. She hadn't expected the tree to be icy. Picking her way carefully she crossed the tree and waited for the rest to cross.

Minnowpaw tasted the air and discovered that ThunderClan and WindClan were already here, at least they weren't the last to arrive. When Briarstar finally gave the signal, she and the rest of her clan mates plunged out of the bushes and into the hollow with the other two clans after a few words from Briarstar.

There were so many! Minnowpaw scanned the crowd of cats and spied a pair of smaller cats. Hopefully they were apprentices and wouldn't mind if a RiverClan cat came to join. Both of these cats were from WindClan. As Minnowpaw weaved her way toward the apprentices a brown tabby caught her eye.

She paused and headed off towards him, no sense in leaving him all alone. Minnowpaw crept towards the tom, his back was towards her. A sly smile light up her orange and black face. Her Caribbean eyes were shining with delight. Just a few more paw steps and.....POUNCE!

"Got ya!" Minnowpaw laughed as she gazed at her fellow clan mate and friend. "So you wanna come meet a pair of WindClan apprentices with me?" Minnowpaw's tail twitched excitedly. "Isn't this cool, we are finally at a Gathering!" Minnowpaw purred loudly and she backed up a few paw steps to give him some space.

((Sorry for the disappointingly short post. I know it took me long enough to get her in here. lol. Hope you don't mind Minnow pouncing on Tigerpaw Heath. ^^))

[Tikker]

"ShadowClan, as a whole, is sorry for their late arrival. We had some trouble navigating through the territories, for the cold weather made many of the wet surfaces hard with ice."

Briarstar watched as the new ShadowClan leader greet each of the others, herself included, and apologize for their lateness to the Gathering, and she whispered to Smallstar as a hint of kindness. "If it helps at all, you are welcome to travel with my Clan to any future Gatherings, that way we make sure everyone gets here on time. But if you refuse the offer will stand, just let me know."

The brown she-cat gave a small hint-full smile as she spoke, she knew of the ancient law that allowed cats from other clans to pass freely, two tail-lengths away from the lake. Yet, as their hasn't been a gathering in quite a few moons.

"Let’s take a moment to rest, relax, and enjoy the gathering before we start with our announcements..."

Briarstar glared, she didn't really want to speak or converse unless spoke too, as she didn't feel it was very important to say anything with Rustlestar around. She gave a mind-full laugh at his words, Relax? Rustlestar? That WindClan warrior can't sit still for more than a few seconds. What is he up too?"

Taking a look around at the Clan cats working their way around, she noticed a couple of WindClan apprentices, and hoped that the anger she had towards their Clan wouldn't fall upon the innocent apprentices, but to the warriors to whom had done their deed.

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"Featherpaw, I-I’m not angry for the reasons that you think I am.”

The silver she-cat looked over to her fellow apprentice, his green eyes told her how sorry he was for his attitude, but all she did was smile. She would love to know why its not the reason she thinks it is, but she didn't care.

"You know Heathpaw, I envy you, did you know that?" She looked at him, her emerald eyes smiled as she spoke, before she continued. "You have everything I could ever ask of StarClan but never receive; I hope you can understand that.

Featherpaw's smile continued to stay on her face; she was good with hiding her true emotion, but all she felt of right now was to cheer her friend up, and to her that's all that mattered at the moment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

((Alright, well I'm not posting with Leopardpaw this time, and I know Briarstar's post isn't the best, she just wants to hurry up with the Gathering XP))

[faythe]

He stuck to the outer edges of the assembled cats, brown tabby fur prickled in the uneasiness of the rain and for the tension that hung in the air. Golden-green eyes watched with a small hint of amusement as his leader – Rustlestar – made his usual assessments of the clans that he had called to this moon’s meeting. A small shiver ran down his spine as the rain dripped past the canopy of leaves above his head and fell to the ground. Covered in mud the usually handsome warrior turned medicine cat watched as his clan mingled with the other warriors that had assembled.

Warriors. How out of place he felt here as those he had once fought against and with talked battle tactics and border patrols, game and training, simple talk to one another. Annoyance flashed in his eyes as he spotted Heathpaw – his warrior apprentice and leader’s son – sulking off in a corner with a few of the apprentices from the other clan. Had his father not just told him not to make a fool of himself? Rowanwing sighed with a hint of disgust as he shook what water he could from his pelt and moved to walk past his apprentice on the way to speak with another cat.

Mustering was casual grace he could he wove himself through a crowd of ShadowClan warriors, simply ignoring any protest they may have had with a small polite smile. He pace slowed as he reached where Heathpaw chatted away and he dropped his head to whisper in the young cats ear as he passed. ”If you manage not to make a fool of yourself, I’ll let you lead our next hunting expedition – I might even take you out battle training if you drop your nasty little attitude Heathpaw. Rustlestar put you as my apprentice – not his – for a reason so drop your miserable little fit if you’d like any chance of becoming a warrior.” His head lingered as he spoke and then he looked up to see a Thunderclan cat calling his name and moved away to answer him and watch the leaders speak.

-----

Fawnfeather had found herself wandering through a sea of cats as she trailed behind Briarstar. Her blue eyes lingered over her surroundings as her mind raced against her, she just could not stop thinking about the gathering, what it would turn out to tell. Fawn watched with her usual curiosity as she said hello to her fellow acquaintances from the other clans that she had not seen since they were all apprentices. Had it really been that long since the last gathering? She sighed softly as she let the idea drop and moved closer to the front of the crowd.

Somewhere along the way, she spotted her apprentice lingering amongst the crowd. ”Tigerpaw!” She called after him, she called again to get his attention and when he caught her gaze, she gave him a reassuring smile. She moved to his side and nudged her nose against the nervous apprentice’s neck in a comforting manor. You will do fine! Just don’t think about what other cats are thinking!” After that, she vanished into the sea of cats again.

With yet another sigh she turned and found a spot next to the other deputies that had gathered with a small smile. ”Hope you are all doing well today?” She offered the words with a slight question but turned to watch her friend – and leader – Briarstar with a curious expression as all hints of nervousness vanished from her self.

[Heathclaw]

Featherpaw didn't understand! He had nothing from StarClan! Nothing but delays and disappointments. So what if he was the leader's son? It meant nothing! "Listen, Featherpaw-" Heathclaw began again, trying his hardest to keep calm.

"Erm... excuse me..."

Heathpaw turned around to see that two RiverClan apprentices had crept up next to them, a brown tabby tom and a caribbean-eyed female. It was the tom that had spoken. What a strange cat he was- he was built like a tiger, but held himself with the timidness of a mouse.

"Yeah? What do you want?"

---

StarClan's sake, what was he doing? Tigerpaw wondered. Alright... so, Fawnfeather had given him some encouragement. And, perhaps he'd felt a little braver when he saw Minnowpaw again, even if she did scare a life out of him when they met. But still, going up to talk to another cat from a different clan? This was way too much.

To make matters worse, this cat that he'd tried to talk with looked as prickly as a porcupine, and sounded rougher than bark. It was hard to believe that he was also a fellow apprentice.

"Err. Well... I just thought we'd introduce ourselves. We are at a gathering, after all," said Tigerpaw, pushing his chest out and trying to look confident. He gave Minnowpaw a quick glance, for reassurance. Come on! Be brave, be assertive! "I'm Tigerpaw, and this is Minnowpaw," said Tigerpaw, indicating her with a wave of his tail.

Just then, a brown-tabby cat moved across their little group, and stopped to mutter something in the heath-colored cat's ear. The younger tabby tom turned as the older cat left, his gaze fixed on the golden-eyed tom's back. What was that about?

"Erm... well, what are your names?" Tigerpaw asked, directing the question to the other she-cat in the group.

---

Lightheart moved from group to group, chatting briefly with each cat he came across, telling jokes and swapping stories- just simply being all-around jovial, as was usually the case. But, for every jovial cat, there always had to be a downer at a gathering, and Lightheart's eyes fixed themselves immediately on the WindClan tom that was pushing his way through their ShadowClan group, with a look of heavy intent in his eye.

"Be right back. Stay beautiful!" said Lightheart with a cheeky whisker twitch to the cat he'd been speaking with, before slinking off after the tom. He hung back as he watched the tom give an earful to one of the young cats in the corner of the clearing, then slid forward, taking the first chance he could to intercept the tom.

"Hiya!" he said with a big grin. "Name's Lightheart! You're a new face... and what a long face you have, too. So, tell me, mystery cat, why so serious? Got apprentice issues or something?"

Speaking of apprentices, Lightheart briefly wondered where Pebblepaw was now. Hopefully not getting himself into too much trouble. Either way, he sat down on his haunches with a friendly tail wave, waiting for a response.

[Silvercloud]

Minnowpaw weaved her way through the growing throng of cats with her tabby clan mate back to the WindClan cats. The calico dipped her kind hearted face to the Medicine cat as he walked past. The male WindClan tabbie was probably Rowanwing's new apprentice. She hadn't meet him yet and she was curious to do so. Her eyes brightened at the prospect of making new friends and learning something about herbs.

Her hopes of learning were quickly dashed as she caught the apprentice's scowl at his mentor. This tom's tone to them also didn't indicate friendliness, he sounded utterly annoyed by their interruption. Minnowpaw didn't want to make him or his silver she-cat companion mad. She dipped her head in greeting.

In a cheery voice Minnowpaw said : "Greetings WindClan." Since Tigerpaw had already given the introductions and had asked for their names, there wasn't much to add other than their positions. So such things weren't necessary anyway. The WindClan tom would see her at the next half moon, they could talk about herbs and such then. Maybe at the next meeting StarClan would show her who her mentor should be or teach her in her dreams. As of now she wouldn't be much of a 'medicine' cat without the knowledge Streamheart had and had failed to impart before she vanished.

Her heart ached with the growing familiar pain of the loss of her mentor. She had been so kind and so beautiful. Minnowpaw raised her eyes to the glittering stars above and sent a prayer up to StarClan. "Please take care of her." Her voice was nothing more than a whisper.

The smallish she-cat sat down and wrapped her splotched tail around her paws neatly. The white tip twitched with excitement as the sad pain failed to dim her excitement at being at the Gathering.

[Tikker]

"Listen, Featherpaw......Yeah? What do you want?"

The silver she-cat watched her fellow apprentice as he started to speak, she could tell he was starting to keep his attitude under control. That was until it seemed like he let it slip when a couple apprentices padded towards Heathpaw and herself. By their scent, she believed them to be of RiverClan.

She let the brown tabby speak, his voice sounded a little shakey, but she figured it was from talking to enemy Clan-cats. He mentioned his name was Tigerpaw; the name fit to a large standard about his pelt. Tigerpaw had also introduced the she-cat next to him, Minnowpaw was her name.

"Well then, its a pleasure to meet the both of you," she said with a smile and the nod of her head. "My name is Featherpaw, and this is Heathpaw," Featherpaw said with a look to her friend as she said his name.

There was a feeling in the pit of her stomach, even if he seemed mad at her, there was no way she could be anything but glad to have him around.